[DL] New velocipedes (Shane, you might find this funny) (longish)

["Jeff Shoffner" <shoffner@esper.com>]

Started a new character that rides a velocipede.  Wanted something
different, & well, here's what happens when you have time to kill.  At the
very least, I hope some of you find it amusing; hopefully some of you will
find it useful.

Jeff S




Writeup for David Harlequin Velocipedes.


While the best known velocipede comes from Smith & Robards, several other
designs are floating about in the City o' Gloom.  Most noteworthy are the
models coming from recent newcomer David Harlequin.  Mr. Harelquin is more
of a mechanic than a mad scientist, but after seeing the velocipede from
Smith & Robards, he has been bitten by the 'pede bug.

Mr. Harlequin has set up a small company devoted solely to producing custom
'pedes for riders.  Originally, these 'pedes used S&R mini boilers, but
after a messy lawsuit over copyright violations, the David Harlequin
Motorworks Company builds every part of its velocipedes.  (S&R sued DHMC for
copyright infringement of its own velocipede, however the legal courts of
Deseret have ruled that while S&R does have copyrights for its particular
design of velocipede, Mr. Harlequin's designs are uniquely different and
thus do not violate copyright law.  Guess it pays to be a Morman in SLC.)
Currently, there are four standard models, although DHMC still offers
customized jobs for those willing to pay.

All DHMC models use a dual-piston drive that turns the back wheel. (one
piston on each side of the wheel)  This steam boiler is slightly larger than
the S&R mini, but will use the S&R ghost rock cylinders for fuel. Fuel
consumption is rated as to how much ghost rock (in pounds) it takes to
travel 100 miles.  This is a gross approximation that should be adjusted
according to driving terrain, directness of route, etc.

In addition to the unique power plant design, most DH 'pedes sport a hinged
chassis, allowing the front part of the frame to flex in relation to the
back wheel/engine assembly.  The saddle is attached to the rear section with
high impact springs, allowing a smoother ride over rough terrain.  Salty
Dawgs have a rigid frame and do not boast this innovation.  Some riders call
the Salty Dawgs "Tail Breakers" and the other Dawgs "Tail Waggers" for this
reason. (Game effect: "Tail Waggers" gain a +1 to the driving roll in rough
[TN 5 or greater] terrain.)

DH 'pedes have a brazen (some say dangerous) look that set them apart from
most 'pedes.  In addition, due to the revolutionary dual-piston drive, the
'pedes have a distinctive "RUH-set" sound which makes it easy to identify a
DH 'pede.  Finally, among the DHMC employees and 'pede owners, the vehicles
have acquired the nickname "Dawg." For this reason, standard DHMC 'pedes are
named as follows:


DH 100 "Prairie Dawg"  $850
The first standard model produced by DHMC.  Similar stats to a S&R
velocipede with a slight difference in speed.

Dur: 20/4    Passengers: 1(2)    Pace: 30    Turn TN: 3    Travel: 25 mph
Fuel: 1    R: 17    Size Mod: +1    Hand: Flush


DH 120 "Salty Dawg"  $950
A strict racing 'pede, this Dawg is built for use on the salt flats around
Utah.  High compression to piston ratio give this Dawg an extremely fast
acceration rate.  Be warned that the Salty Dawg is not meant for combat, and
can not accept a sidecar for passengers.

Dur: 15/3   Passengers: 1   Pace: 40   Turn TN: 3   Travel: 25mph   Fuel: 1
R: 17   Size Mod: +1   Hand: Flush


DH 150 "Bull Dawg"  $900
This Dawg was built for rougher terrain surrounding Salt Lake City.  With
its low aspect piston shafts delivering high torque and cleated tires, the
Bull Dawg easily manages steep terrain at the price of speed.  Sometimes
called a Mountain Dawg. (Game effect: Bull Dawgs gain +1 to driving rolls in
extreme [TN 9 or greater] terrain)

Dur: 25/5   Passengers: 1(2)   Pace: 20   Turn TN: 3   Travel: 15mph   Fuel:
1.5   R: 17   Size Mod: +1   Hand: Flush


DH 175 "Big Dawg"  $1,200
Also called the "Three Legged Dawg," this 'pede sports two wheels in the
back for stability.  Larger than most, the Big Dawg can carry two passengers
without the aid of a sidecar and an additional 200lbs in equipment stowed in
its rear compartment and side saddle bags.  The Big Dawg does have a slight
problem with turning.

Dur: 25/5   Passengers: 2   Pace: 30   Turn TN: 5   Travel: 20mph   Fuel:
1.5   Rel: 17   Size Mod: +2   Hand: Flush



Accessories

DHMC also has a line of accessories for their Dawgs, ranging from custom fit
saddle bags to DHMC embossed riding gloves.  Normal fair should be worked
out with the marshal.  Here is a list of "new science" accessories.


DHA-75  Front Armour Shield  $100
Used for keeping folks from shooting you off your bike, or just keeping the
bugs out of your teeth, DH has created a novel approach to protecting
riders.  Mounting a quarter inch thick steel plate on the 'pede's steering
handle, DH then coats the inside with the Collegium patented De-Pigmenting
Paint, enabling the rider one way visibility.  Very disturbing seeing an
armoured 'pede rider with no obvious means of seeing.

Game effect: Rider gains AV of 3 to his upper body when attacked from the
front.


DHA-220 Trailer $400
Larger Dawgs can pull a trailer behind them, useful for carrying extra
equipment or, if modified, extra passengers.

Game effect: Big Dawg & Bull Dawg can pull a covered trailer that can carry
500 pounds of equipment or if modified, two extra passengers.  Adds .5 to
the Fuel consumption, +2 to turning, -10 to Pace, -5 to average mph and has
its own Durability rating of 20/4 (15/3 if used for passengers) and Size
Mod: of +1


DHA-135  Mine layer: $250
David Harlequin does not believe in arming his Dawgs for combat (although
many riders still do, with that front armour plate being so handy), but he
does know that sometimes a rider has to defend himself.  To do that, DHMC
offers a miniature mine layer that attaches to the back of the Dawg which
can fling small bomblets at persuing aggressors.  Many riders of the Salty
Dawg love to taunt the Mohave Rattlers in the salt flats with this
attachment.  Holds 12 mines.  Reliability: 19

Mines: $25
Basically a small explosive charge designed to explode on impact.  Area
effect of 4D12 with a radius of 1 yard of effect increments.  Reliability:
19

Game effect:  Rider needs Shootin': 'pede mines to effectively use this
weapon.  This skill can not be linked with normal shootin' skills.
Reliability numbers consider layer/thrower and mine as a whole--ie: roll
only once per use, not twice.  Mines carried on a person are subject to
reliability rolls when person is hit, falls, etc. to see if one accidentally
detonates.  Very bad for player!



Finally, Dawg riders have come up with a few tricks to do on a velocipede.
One shown here is the "Dawg Roll"

Dawg Roll:  With the locking of front brakes while spinning the back wheel,
a rider turn a 'pede to face any direction without first moving forward or
backward, as most vehicles require.  Rider simply makes a Drivin':
velocipede roll based on the 'pede's base TN.  Terrain and other factors may
modify this roll.  Failure usually means the 'pede has slid out from under
the rider, with his friends laughing at his mistake.  A botch indicates in
addition, the rider has received 1 wound to a leg, and possibly 1D4 damage
to the 'pede if the marshal is particularly nasty.